How to Install Xandikos on OpenBSD

Xandikos is a CalDAV/CardDAV server that allows users to sync their calendars and contacts across multiple devices. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of installing Xandikos on OpenBSD step-by-step.

Prerequisites

Before we start, you need to ensure that you have the following prerequisites:

Step 1: Update the System

Before installing any packages, it is recommended to update your system to ensure that your software is up-to-date. In the terminal, type:

sudo sysupgrade

This command will upgrade the system to the latest version of OpenBSD.

Step 2: Install Required Packages

To install Xandikos, we need to install Python and other related packages. In the terminal, type:

sudo pkg_add python-3.8 py3-virtualenv py3-jinja2 py3-setuptools py3-wheel

This command will install Python 3.8, virtualenv, Jinja2, setuptools, and wheel. These packages are required to run Xandikos on OpenBSD.

Step 3: Clone Xandikos Repository

In the terminal, navigate to the directory where you want to install Xandikos. In this example, we will install Xandikos under the /usr/local directory. Type the following command:

sudo mkdir /usr/local/xandikos
cd /usr/local/xandikos
sudo git clone https://github.com/jelmer/xandikos.git

This command will create a directory called "xandikos" under /usr/local and download the Xandikos source code from Github.

Step 4: Create a Virtual Environment

Change to the xandikos directory and create a new virtual environment. In the terminal, type:

cd xandikos
sudo virtualenv env

This command will create a new virtual environment called "env" in the xandikos directory.

Activate the virtual environment by typing:

sudo env/bin/activate

Step 5: Install Xandikos

While the virtual environment is active, install Xandikos by typing:

sudo env/bin/python setup.py install

This command will install Xandikos into the virtual environment.

Step 6: Configure Xandikos

Create a configuration file for Xandikos by typing:

sudo cp xandikos.example.cfg xandikos.cfg
sudo chown _xandikos:_xandikos xandikos.cfg

This command will create a new configuration file called "xandikos.cfg" based on the example file. Change the ownership of the file to the "_xandikos" user and group.

Edit the configuration file by typing:

sudo nano xandikos.cfg

Replace "example.com" with your own domain name or subdomain in the "server_name" field. Save and exit the file.

Step 7: Create a System User for Xandikos

Create a system user for Xandikos by typing:

sudo useradd -d /var/xandikos -M -r -s /sbin/nologin _xandikos
sudo chown _xandikos:_xandikos /var/xandikos

This command will create a system user called "_xandikos" without a home directory and with restricted login access. Create a directory "/var/xandikos" and change the ownership of the directory to "_xandikos".

Step 8: Start Xandikos

Start Xandikos by typing:

sudo -u _xandikos env/bin/xandikos --config xandikos.cfg

This command will start Xandikos as the "_xandikos" user.

Step 9: Test Xandikos

To verify that Xandikos is running, open a web browser and navigate to:

http://your.domain.com/.well-known/caldav

Replace "your.domain.com" with your own domain name or subdomain.

If everything is working correctly, you should see a message saying "No Calendar Home Set".

Congratulations, you have successfully installed Xandikos on OpenBSD!

If you want to self-host in an easy, hands free way, need an external IP address, or simply want your data in your own hands, give IPv6.rs a try!